The Wizard (1989)

A boy and his brother run away from home and hitch cross country with the help of a girl they meet to compete in the ultimate video game championship.

Director:

Todd Holland

Writer:

David Chisholm

Stars:

Fred Savage, Luke Edwards, Jenny Lewis

4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Luke Edwards	...	Jimmy Woods / The Wizard
Vince Trankina	...	Tate (as Vincent Leahr)
Wendy Phillips	...	Christine Bateman
Dea McAllister	...	Counselor
Sam McMurray	...	Bateman
Beau Bridges	...	Sam Woods
Fred Savage	...	Corey Woods
Christian Slater	...	Nick Woods
Will Seltzer	...	Putnam
Roy Conrad	...	Bus Clerk
Jenny Lewis	...	Haley
Roderick Dexter	...	Trucker #1 / Wrecking Yard Man
Ray Bickel	...	Trucker #2
Chuck Skinner	...	Grease Monkey
W.K. Cowan	...	Salesman #1

Storyline

Corey and Jimmy Woods are two brothers who are being separated due to their parents divorcing. Jimmy is a mentally unstable kid that has had problems ever since his sister died at a young age. One day, Corey discovers that Jimmy has a natural talent for playing video games. He is one of the best around, and the two journey to the West Coast to compete in a video game championship, but along the way, they must avoid the adults, who are trying to take Jimmy away.

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Plot Keywords:

nintendo | girl | 1980s | kiss | hitchhiking | 

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Taglines:

It's more than a game... It's the chance of a lifetime.

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Drama | Family | Romance | Sport

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

Fred Savage plays a boy named Corey who is the middle child in his family. Four years later his younger brother Ben Savage played a boy named Cory on Boy Meets World (1993) who was also the middle child in his family.

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Goofs

During the "Send Me an Angel" montage, Corey, Jimmy and Haley are looking for a ride, with a "Reno or bust please" sign. A light stand with sandbags is reflected in a passing car.

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Quotes

[about her mom]
Haley: She packed it in. She was a showgirl. Great legs. I got her legs, what do you think?

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Alternate Versions

When shown on Nickelodeon, all profane language is cut, along with the "he touched my breast" line (and, of course, all subsequent references to that line.)

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Connections

Referenced in The Angry Video Game Nerd: Power Glove (2006)

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Soundtracks

My Way
(Comme d'Habitude)
Music by Claude François and Jacques Revaux
French lyrics by Gilles Thibaut
English lyrics by Paul Anka
Performed by Paul Anka

User Reviews

A great movie to remind you of being a kid.

I grew up with this movie, and i never get tired of it, even now.Watching it reminds me of the good ol' days as a kid growing up in the 80's. The plot seems a little out of left field but under the right circumstances could probably happen.

Great performances are given by Fred Savage as Corey, Christian Slater as Nick the typical teenage older brother and Beau Bridges as Sam the good hearted father(reminds me alot of my father).

When it gets down to it The Wizard is a great movie for all ages to enjoy.

5 out of 5 stars.

Details

Country:

USA Brazil

Language:

English Brazilian Sign Language

Release Date:

15 December 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Wizard

Filming Locations:

Nevada, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,142,525, 17 December 1989

Gross USA:

$14,278,900

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$14,278,900

Company Credits

Production Co:

Carolco Pictures, Finnegan/Pinchuk Productions, Pipeline Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1